The Political Meaning of Christianity: Chapter Two: Prophetic Hope: Community and Society and The Ideal of the Just Society: pp. 53-68 In the part of Chapter Two entitled “Community and Society” Tinder pushes a distinction, if not a conflict, between “community” and “society.” Community, he argues, is compatible with the exalted individual while society is not. Societies are necessary because of our fallenness, but they debase individuals. Community enhances individual dignity. He also argues or clarifies that his exalted individual... Read more

Generational Curses? Recently I have been asked about generational curses. Do I believe in them? Before answering I will define my own understanding of “generational curse” which may not be the same as everyone’s. A generational curse is a particular sin passed down from one generation to another within a family. The sin may be committed or it may be a strong temptation to sin. In either case, though, it is powerful and requires supernatural deliverance. The background belief is... Read more

Is an Embryo a Baby? According to news reports, the Supreme Court of the State of Alabama has declared that embryos are babies and thus worthy of legal protection from harm. Does that make sense or is that an over reaction to “pro-choice” attempts to affirm every woman’s right to an abortion? Is it taking “pro-life” too far? Let’s get into it. When does human life begin? Okay, at least at conception. But is embryonic human life a human being... Read more

The Political Meaning of Christianity: Chapter One, cont’d Here, today, I will take up Chapter One, “The Fallen Individual” and “The Man-god versus the God-man” (pp. 35-52). If you are reading the book with me, feel free to comment (following the guidelines below). If you are not reading the book with me, feel free to ask a question. Why are we (I don’t know how many) reading and discussing this book? Because some of us believe Christianity has more than... Read more

What I Mean By “White Privilege” Conversations about “white privilege” often bog down because of imprecise definitions. One common misunderstanding is that it means that every Caucasian person is automatically privileged socially and economically simply by being white. Some would argue that is the case. I think, however, of my own childhood in poverty. We were not economically privileged. Some would argue we were and just didn’t experience it as we could have. I wonder about that. So what is... Read more

What Does “Supernatural” Mean? I am often asked what I mean by “supernatural” and many people, including many Christians, reject the term and concept—including many Christians. I understand why. There are two reasons. First, the word itself has come to be identified in the popular mind with the occult. Second, the word itself seems to reflect a dualism between nature and God or nature and spirits. I object to these misunderstandings of “supernatural.” But I have sometimes had trouble explaining... Read more

Avoid Bullies; Speak Out about Them Bullies are everywhere, so it seems. Even in American political life. Being a bully, someone who verbally, if not physically, assaults a weaker person for no good reason, should exclude someone from public life. People who vote for bullies are likely to be bullies themselves. Bullying is one of the banes of human existence. Bullies should be cancelled. Let me offer two examples you may not be aware of. You should be aware of... Read more

Are You Brainwashed? ”Brainwashing” has been a topic of conversation and controversy for decades now. I think the first time I encountered the idea was when I heard about some American soldiers who, during the Korean War, allegedly spoke sincerely and publicly against America from Korea where they were prisoners of war. Commentators said they had been “brainwashed.” Ever since then, the term and the concept “brainwashing” has been commonly discussed and disputed. Now many pop psychologists and others claim... Read more

The Political Meaning of Christianity: Chapter One (1) Today I will comment on Chapter One, “The Exaltation of the Individual,” the first two parts: “Christian Love” and “The Exalted Individual.” Feel free to comment if you have read these pages (19-35); if you have not read them, feel free to ask a question. Author Glenn Tinder begins with “The prophetic attitude that defines the Christian view of politics is incomprehensible apart from the Christian concept of love.” (19) Here he... Read more

Christian Nationalism as Folk Religion One of the most influential articles I read was by sociologist of religion Robert Ellwood, who I got to know personally later. It was about Christianity’s “down-home turn.” Right now I don’t remember where it was published, but I cut out the article and kept it in my files. It spurred me to write my book Questions to All Your Answers: The Journey from Folk Religion to Examined Faith. According to Ellwood, folk religion is... Read more